Nepal’s Himalaya region has inspired mythology both ancient and modern, including the British author James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon,” which coined the term “Shangri-La” in 1933 to describe the heavenly nature of the region. But today, all is not well in paradise.

HUMLA DISTRICT, NEPAL—For more than five years, the Humla region of Nepal’s Himalayas has suffered from severe food shortages. Nepal, in partnership with the Japanese government, has attempted to reduce the effects of the shortage by distributing subsidized rice in the worst hit areas. Yet, these efforts haven’t done enough, and many blame the shortfall on a common culprit: corruption.

Journalists for Transparency’s correspondent Rajneesh Bhandari traveled to the remote region to investigate.

MORE FROM THIS ISSUE

Chef's Sampler Menu

A note from the editors about what we're serving up.

Illegal Street Tacos

On city streets in Mexico’s largest cities, an esteemed culinary heritage is up against another deeply ingrained, yet less auspicious, tradition: corruption.

Bread Bought with a Bribe

Corruption in Egypt’s bread supply contributed to the historic ouster of President Hosni Mubarak. Yet, with limited reforms enacted since then, the pervasive corruption in Egypt’s wheat market continues to create instability in the country.

Tainted Breakfast Milk

In northern China’s remote Anding District, 244 students simultaneously fell ill last year after eating a school breakfast. Officials say the children made it up.

Mystery Meat School Lunch

More than a year after kindergarten students were sickened from school food, parents say low quality products and those with misleading labels continue to enter Vilnius kindergartens.

Chicken of Questionable Origin

A ranking of 21 OECD countries reveals how well they can trace food in times of crisis.

Conflict Greens

In Brazil’s fertile Amazon region, a movement of landless farmers is struggling against a powerful agricultural giant accused of corruption, unafraid to use deadly force.

Smuggled Jollof Rice

A tax increase on rice imported into Nigeria resulted in a massive surge in regional smuggling, thanks to Nigeria’s notoriously porous borders.

Fish & Chips, With a Catch

After unprecedented numbers of fishermen were left jobless following the country’s recent permitting process, some are blaming a lack of transparency and possible corruption.

SPOILED: Corruption from Farm to Table